The Presidio of Monterey 'go green' with new electric vehicles

Photo By Hiro Chang | The Presidio of Monterey's new Low Speed Electric Vehicles can travel up to 30 miles on a full charge. They can be charged using a regular electric outlet and should be plugged in when they are not being used, Jan Fittante, POM transport operations specialist said.  

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

03.03.2010

Story by Hiro Chang 

U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. — The Presidio of Monterey Directorate of Logistics Transportation Division has added five Low Speed Electric Vehicles to its fleet.

"The vehicles are part of an Army-wide initiative to 'go green' by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels," said Jan Fittante, POM transportation operations specialist. "The initiative is intended to save both energy and money," she added.

The initiative is a part of Executive Order 13514: Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance; a mandate that encourages the acquisition of alternate-fueled vehicles to save energy, money and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

"LSEVs do not have any carbon emissions, making them very environmentally friendly," Fittante said. "Energy costs are [also] estimated to be less for these vehicles."

Although the Presidio is not new to having electric vehicles, these are the first to be assigned to the Presidio of Monterey from Installation Management Command, Fittante said.

The LSEVs are equipped with basic accessories, such as a heater, windshield wipers, seat belts and cargo areas. The vehicles are also fully enclosed with a top speed of about 30 mph and can travel approximately 30 miles per charge.

They can be charged using a regular electric outlet and should be plugged in when they are not being used Fittante said.

POM transportation is currently looking into which departments will be able to use the vehicles efficiently and other viable solutions for a greener post.

"If the LSEVs perform successfully and meet installation requirements, more electric vehicles will be added to the fleet. Transportation is also looking into exchanging some of the regular fuel powered vehicles for hybrid gas/electric vehicles," Fittante said.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2010
• Date Posted: 03.03.2010 13:26
• Story ID: 46102
• Location: MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, US